Past Programs
Alternative Energy - 2008
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New record for silicon solar cell energy conversion efficiency to UNSW Martin Green
25/10/2008
A milestone of 25% energy conversion efficiency has been set by researchers at the University of NSW using silicon solar cells. 25% of incoming energy is converted to electricity. Of the remaining 75%, some is reflected and some is lost in heat.
Electric cars on the move
18/10/2008
Developments in batteries mean the heavy lead batteries of the past are being replaced by lighter lithium batteries. These supply power and speed, seen as essential for car batteries. Now, in Finland, electric motors are being developed to convert petrol cars to electric power. The next challenge is to develop a system of charging points away from the home.
New wave technology a potential major source of energy
04/10/2008
The CETO process consists of hundreds of underwater buoys, each attached to a pump. Movement of the buoys sends pressurised water to shore for use in generators or desalination plants. Tim Sawyer estimates 35% of Australia's energy needs is practically and economically extractable now.
Microalgae produce biodiesel
16/08/2008
In north Queensland scientists are using an innovative method to produce biodiesel by feeding marine microalgae with fish excretions. The algae use fish farm slurry as nutrients to produce oil. In fact, no other crop produces as much biodiesel as microalgae. Beside their oil production the microalgae also produce carbohydrates and proteins that could be used as feedstock.
Solar power in Europe
19/07/2008
New technology uses solar energy to super-heat water which is used to drive steam turbines producing electricity. These plants are already in use in Spain. Test plants have been built in north Africa and the Middle East. Naomi Fowler reports on progress in other areas of Europe, including Italy where there is a strong political push for nuclear power. In many countries, current legislation assists existing electricity producers over new technologies.
Hydrogen production from algae
26/04/2008
Conventional hydrogen production is expensive. A cheaper method involves using algae. The algae live in a series of ponds. Hydrogen is collected as it bubbles to the surface. An advantage is microalgae can be located on non-arable land and don't compete with food production.
Normally algae use sunlight to split water into protons and elections. Combined with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the cell is able to produce all the biomolecules it requires. If the cultures are depleted of sulphur, the photosynthetic pathway switches to the production of hydrogen.
Café Sydney - changes after energy audit
19/04/2008
Café Sydney conducted an energy audit and changed the way it does business, producing large savings in energy use and costs.
Solar cells
05/04/2008
Nicola Phillips surveys the current state and potential of solar cell technology for domestic power generation in Australia and asks why the technology has not been taken up quicker.
Nano technology in energy generation and use of resources
05/04/2008
Nano technology has applications in energy production - solar cells - and light generation. Solid state lights, as light emitting diodes, use nano technology and are expected to last for up to 25 years.
Hydrogen considered as a fuel for air transport
29/03/2008
Hydrogen is being considered as a fuel for use in air travel. The A2 is designed to travel at Mach 5 or more than twice the speed of Concorde. But there could be big environmental costs. Naomi Fowler reports.
